Interesting. Not sure how reliable those dates are. Automotive news reported Q4 availability for Camry '14 so that doesn't match but maybe availability is later. Then again you'd think we heard something about Camry '14 order guide if production starts in only 2 weeks.

I'd like to see more individual options for the Touring so there isn't such a big 4K gap to touring (for example upgraded Nav and seats as standalone options).

If anyone at Toyota reads & acts on these comments, I'd like to vote for removing the fake, and very cheap looking wood trim on the dash. Does anyone actually think it looks good & "fits in" with the otherwise sleek, modern style of this dash? A complete mismatch, imo.

I read new 2014 Avalon will be 2" shorter less wide ??. 100lbs lighter and a little better mileage ( less weight, maybe different gearing on 6 speed )I plan to buy one either premium or touring w paddle shifters. I cant wait.

There seems to be some confusion in the year of the vehicle when you see articles about the new Avalon. Some call it a 2013 and some 2014. When you read them they all talk about the changes from the 2012 Avalon.

I haven't seen anyone talking about the 2014 to be produced this Fall/Winter.

I agree I don't think anyone is expecting much if any change. I was hoping for maybe a new paint color, optional heated steering wheel and just the regular minor bug fixes or refinements.

Thanks for the clarification. I am not an expert on car design just sharing what I read. I did not realize reducing 2in length from body design and minor width reduction from side panel angle was a total redesign. Most global auto manuf strive to improve mpg thru technology and weight reduction. EPA mandate. Anyway I like the vehicle and will buy a 2014 when available.

Own 2004 Avalon, and it has been a wonderful quiet low maintenance car. We looked at seven 2013 Avalon models, and very disappointed with the interior, as the only thing available is black or blacker. Wife wants Avalon Hybrid, and I think, she is going to be disappointed big time. I am waiting for the 2014 models, but have not found out much. From what I know so far, I would like to keep driving 2004 forever. Maybe, we need to change brands.

The 2014 Avalon will be basically the same as the 2013, no change in width, length or milage. Any change in body size would entail a complete redesign and that is not going to happen to a car this new.

Most of us who own the 2004 model have been unimpressed with later renditions, seat comfort and trunk space suffering. The 2013 version wins on the roundabouts and loses badly on the swings. The ride issues can be addressed with the right wheel/tire combination, but nothing can help the cramped feeling that is the result of small 'gangster' windows. The Ford Taurus and Chrysler 300 are further examples of this design trend that needs to be reversed as soon as possible.

One reason that we will not replace our 2004 with another sedan is the excellent vision we get from our VW Tiguan. Large windows and adequate storage space are huge incentives to move away from this disappointing Avalon.

When Toyota announced the second-generation Entune system a few weeks ago, I had expected the new Entune would be available on the 2014 Avalon, and I had planned to immediately buy a 2014 Avalon Limited hybrid when it opened for ordering. But Avalon is not on the list of 2014 models the announcement said would ship with the new Entune system, so it looks like I will have to wait, with great disappointment, for another year. Though I wanted to replace my 2008 Avalon, the upgraded Entune will be so dramatically improved that I know I'll be unhappy if I don't wait.

I don't know what the design engineers at Toyota were thinking when the they released the 2013 Avalon. I read that Toyota was focusing on a younger market, but I don't think it appeals to any particular market, except someone that wants to say they have an Avalon, instead of a Camry. I also own a 2004 Avalon XLS, and simply do not like the way the 2013 looks. The exterior looks like one of those cheap Korean throwaways (Kia, Hyundai), and the interior looks cheesy as well. I was hoping that 2014 will bring a fresh new look, as I haven't seen many 2013 Avalons on the streets in the Los Angeles area, and don't believe that they did that well. My vehicle has only 36K+ miles on it, so I'm going to keep it another year or two, and then look at something else -- maybe a gently used Lexus or pre-2013 Avalon. I do plan to stick with Toyota, just not the Avalon in its present form. What a shame because Toyota makes such a good product.

I am 73 yrs old and would not be caught dead in the pre 2013 Avalon. If I ingnored the booring styling one drive at highway speeds over a few frost heaves would produce enough rocking and rolling to have me stopping for some Dramamine. Point? Diferent strokes for different folks. Give me a more tied down more secure handling car. I do not mind feeling the car is firmly connected to the road and handles responsibly. Just don't get one with Bridgestones inflated to 49lbs. Most folks will learn to love the handling/ride trad off given a little time to adjust and the sales prove it.

I am 74 years old and feel the exact opposite of this reader. I have owned 2002,2006,2011 Avalons and think the new ones (2013) are the worst models . The drive like a truck feeling is not for me. I sure love my 2011 a lot.

I can't imagine Avalon owners liking the newer ones at all.

Won't be buying anymore Avalons unless they get some new designers and go back to the quiet and smooth ride of the past.

I don't know what you are doing to be "rock and rolling." If I start rocking and rolling while driving, it'll probably be time to stop driving.I have owned two 2004 Avalons. The ride with the stock stires is good, and the ride with racing tires and custom rims is fantastic.It's nice to know that someone thinks the 2013 is a nice ride, because I sure won't be finding out. I drive cars that have style!

Also have owned three Avalons, one of each generation. The new 2013 is designed for a changing market and a different buyer, my opinion. The current model is not in my future as it is just too different in too many ways. In time a hybrid car might be in my garage as Toyota seems to have a good thing going on fuel savings, never thought I would say that but the comments here are positive on the hybrid technology. But again, No Sale on the 2013 Avalon as it exists today.

I had a 98 and a 05 Avalon, both of which I loved. I was in the market last year but passed on the 2013 Avalon mainly because of that grill. Couldn't get passed it. I'm wondering why you do not like the 2013?

First, the little things... the grille is too large (but if the car is black it looks ok) for one. The windshield angle is too low for good visibility (a common problem today). The seats are not as good as the 2007 Limited I had and the ride is too stiff compared to the 2007. And I drove the sales manager's demo so the tire pressure was set correctly.

Then: I actually like the body style... but when you price a Limited you can buy a Lexus for 1.8k more here in Atlanta. Spend the 1.8k, get the L up front and a better warranty. On top of that the interior is about the same size as a new Honda Accord, a car costing 8k less with similar stuff such as Nav and a V6!

All in all, the 2013 Avalon just does not work for me. After 15 years in three different Avalons it ended when the 300C went on sale this past summer. Big car with plenty of room inside and in the trunk. Will it last like a Toyota? Maybe. But if not I would go to the 4dr Accord V6 (having also owned 6 of them since 1995) as they are a quality car with excellent reliability. Hope this answers your question...... :-)

As I mentioned earlier, even if I like the new Avalon after a test drive, I won't buy one until it includes the next-generation Entune system. That's how important it is to me. Since it apparently won't be included in the 2014 upon release, the question will be whether it will be added at some point during the production year or whether I'll have to wait until the 2015s. I suspect the latter.

I find it interesting you consider a Chrysler 300 a big roomy car. When Car and Driver did a recently combo review including the Avalon and the Chrysler it summed up the Chrysler like this. "Stiff structure,racer brakes (it was the "S" version) ,still looks bad da bling. Lumpy seats,coal-mine interior,CRAMPED BACK SEAT etc. Motor Trend concurred by observing "REAR SEAT ROOM IS LACKLUSTER especialy given the 300's huge overall size. The Avalon got big thumbs up from both mags for lots of room in the all areas especially the rear seat and won the Car and drive comparison test thanks to Michlins tires instead of the awful "Stones" that the Motor Trend" Avalon was cursed with. Based on their comments about how awful the ride was I would bet a steak dinner were over inflated as well.

Not sure why anyone would use a 300S for comparison. That model comes with 20" tires and a different suspension that makes the ride very firm... the 300C has 18" tires (20" optional) so the ride is much softer and closer to an older Avalon. The brake comment is accurate, it feels like they could stop a train. The 300C seats are also different from the 300S, much softer. The interior is probably a little dull on finish side, yes. The back seat room is less than the 2007 Limited I traded, but close. The trunk storage is larger by a good bit. The 2013 Limited I drove felt small inside compared to the '07 and the 300C also seems a little smaller as did the Honda.

Nothing is perfect, I still like the 2003 Avalon we had for comfort (best seats ever in a car) and size, not to mention reliability. But we travel the interstate to Florida a lot and need the trunk space more than the back seat. By next summer we may look again, possibly at the hybrid, as the 300C may not be the perfect solution. But for the money it was just too much to turn down.

Thanks fin. While so much of this is subjective, your observations make sense to me. I agree that a loaded Limited puts you within reach of a Lexus and other "entry level luxury" rides, which generally gets you a better warranty and dealer service experience. I ended up in a Volvo. Very happy with the car and service perks like free loaners over the life of the car.

I suggest you read consumers report of the earlier Avalons. They hammered the emergency handling and the poor ride control over undulating road surfaces( IE better known as"frost heaves"). Thanks for your concern about my well being but I am a long way from giving up my keys. I stand by my comments.

My wife & I (both 73) couldn't agree more about the 2013 Avalon's handling and ride...I've ridden in lumber wagons which rode better. We have a 2011 Avalon and won't be buying another until the Toyota designers wake up and realize that riding comfort is just as important to younger buyers as it is to us old folks.

I'm having to look for a 2012 in order to upgrade from my '11...sad times.